Pharmacological Reports Copyright © 2009 2009, 61, 197216 by Institute of Pharmacology ISSN 1734-1140 Polish Academy of Sciences Review Third-generation antiepileptic drugs: mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and interactions Jarogniew J. £uszczki1,2 Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, PL 20-090 Lublin, Poland Department of Physiopathology, Institute of Agricultural Medicine, Jaczewskiego 2, PL 20-950 Lublin, Poland Correspondence: Jarogniew J. £uszczki, e-mail:
[email protected];
[email protected] Abstract: This review briefly summarizes the information on the molecular mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic profiles and drug interac- tions of novel (third-generation) antiepileptic drugs, including brivaracetam, carabersat, carisbamate, DP-valproic acid, eslicar- bazepine, fluorofelbamate, fosphenytoin, ganaxolone, lacosamide, losigamone, pregabalin, remacemide, retigabine, rufinamide, safinamide, seletracetam, soretolide, stiripentol, talampanel, and valrocemide. These novel antiepileptic drugs undergo intensive clinical investigations to assess their efficacy and usefulness in the treatment of patients with refractory epilepsy. Key words: antiepileptic drugs, brivaracetam, carabersat, carisbamate, DP-valproic acid, drug interactions, eslicarbazepine, fluorofelbamate, fosphenytoin, ganaxolone, lacosamide, losigamone, pharmacokinetics, pregabalin, remacemide, retigabine, rufinamide, safinamide, seletracetam, soretolide, stiripentol, talampanel, valrocemide Abbreviations: 4-AP